Craig LaBan joined the Inquirer as its restaurant critic in 1998, after a stint covering the food beat for the Times-Picayune in New Orleans.

"Having eaten about 500 restaurant meals a year here ever since, I never cease to be amazed by the diversity and sophistication of Philadelphia's kitchens," he says.

"To travel from its many authentic ethnic neighborhoods to the gastronomic temples of Walnut Street to its beery gastropubs, cozy BYOBs and multitude of greasy-but-great steak joints, is to know this town delivers satisfaction at every level of the food chain. Including online dish."

This chat is intended to delve into the finer points of the local restaurant scene, from what’s new and exciting, to digressions on everything from dim-sum to date restaurants.

We will also review highlights from my previous week’s menu with the Crumb Tracker Quiz. Please, let’s not get bogged down in concierge-like - “Where should I take my girlfriend for dinner this weekend?” - queries.

Feel free to share your own dining experiences, but no anonymous bashing. If you have something critical to say, you must sign the comment with your own name. I do!